Discover how apprenticeships are offering a powerful pathway into the hair industry.
At Schwarzkopf Professional, we know that education is vital to a successful career in the hair industry. In the second and final instalment of our Start Your Job Right series, we focus on the value of apprenticeships – and how they give aspiring stylists the real-world experience and practical skills they need to excel in their careers.
To gain an insight into the world of hairdressing apprenticeships and dive deeper into a specific example of the type of apprenticeship opportunities on offer globally, we caught up with Debbie Penzone, President & CEO of PENZONE Salons + Spas. Much like Schwarzkopf Professional, PENZONE understand the importance of education, giving emerging artists the opportunity to learn, grow and build the foundations for a career within hairdressing.
“In the hair industry, an apprenticeship is designed to advance knowledge and preparedness before beginning the career behind the chair. In 2024, at PENZONE, we innovated our entire Education + Training program with the launch of the New Artist Concept Salon + Spa located within BASE ONE. Here, we offer a customised training program with three pathways:
Intern – Eligible students observe and learn with our experienced Hair Artist Mentors in our PENZONE Salon + Spa locations, supporting on-the-job training and cultivating relationships with potential hires.
Apprentice – Works one-on-one with our Hair Artist mentors in one of our PENZONE Salon + Spa locations, providing continued education and the opportunity to refine and enhance skills.
Hair Artist In Training – Attends weekly education classes and works behind the chair at our New Artist Concept (Academy) Salon under the guidance of a Creative Educator. While our program is self-paced, the average duration of training is under six months!”
“At PENZONE specifically, our comprehensive curriculum includes courses designed to develop the artist in all ways. From our ‘Base of You’ Course, which focuses on career longevity, practices and soft skills to our ‘Advanced Technical Skills’ courses, including extensions and keratin treatments. Throughout the program individual bi-monthly progress check sessions are held with each new artist, as well as a technical check point (assessment) to gauge comprehension, preparedness and advancement through the program.”
“In relation to the PENZONE program, our Artists in Training will qualify in all core services performed behind the chair. These include cutting, colouring, blonding and the opportunity to become certified in multiple extension methods, keratin treatments and even makeup. Career paths are truly endless for our new artists! There are four levels in which artists can aspire to promote throughout their careers, each earning higher commission rates. Artists can even become a Creative Educator leading our future artists, or pursue the business side of things in our Innovation Office.”
“Our Artists in Training enjoy a great balance of online programming, theory-based learning and hands-on experience. With our Learning Management System, Cypher, they can complete most theory work independently prior to class days, allowing class time to be hands-on with mannequins and models. Behind the chair at the New Artist Concept Salon, they see multiple live guests per day to master their craft before entering the salons.”
“At PENZONE, aspiring apprentices can visit our Instagram page as well as our website to find additional information, including the link to apply. Our recruiting specialist connects with candidates to begin their process with a digital interview, followed by an in-person interview. Qualified candidates then participate in an evaluation process to determine the best curated training path for each individual.”
“Any salon can provide apprenticeship employment opportunities once they’ve designed the structure of the program and the curriculum.”
“A strong apprentice candidate should display professionalism and eagerness to learn and grow.”
“Apprentices can positively impact the salon environment by bringing a positive energy and passion which helps to spark innovation and keep the passion alive for seasoned artists.”
“Potential apprentices should do their due diligence to find the right culture for them. Enter the process with a clear vision of what they’re looking for to ensure they find the right fit. Salon owners should establish strong relationships with local cosmetology programs to learn about their curriculum and how to best support their graduates, then build a program that fulfils that.”
“I expect for apprenticeship programs to become more efficient – getting students up to speed and being truly ready to begin their careers successfully sooner. Knowing how important human connection is and will continue to be in our industry, I predict education on people skills, communication and relationship building will continue to be a priority to build the best individuals in our industry.”
Whether you’re an aspiring hairdresser looking to start out in the hair industry or are a salon owner considering starting up an apprenticeship program, apprenticeships offer a powerful pathway into the world of hairdressing.
If you’re thinking about signing your own salon up to an apprenticeship program, but aren’t quite sure where to start, speak to your local Schwarzkopf Professional representative or reach out to apprenticeship course providers, such as local colleges. Course providers can support you in offering an aspiring stylist the opportunity to start their journey within the hair industry, without having to create your own curriculum.
Investing in apprenticeships can build more than just a career, they’re crafting the next generation of creative innovators and strengthening the future of the hairdressing industry!
At Schwarzkopf Professional, we want you to Start Your Job Right and have developed a programme to help you do just that. Ideal for career starters/trainees within the first year of training, we could help you gain self-confidence faster in your new job. You'll discover how to take responsibility for the work you do in the salon and increase sales through qualified salon employees.
Explore our world-class Colour, Backbar, Styling and Visionary seminars; developed to enhance the skills you already have and help you do what you do, better.
Master any in-salon service by staying on-trend with the latest tips and tricks and essential product knowledge over on the eAcademy.